Aeronautics Bureau

History

Alabama's role in aviation began in 1935 when the
Alabama Legislature adopted Act 493. The Aeronautics
Commission was established by Act 493 and it then consisted
of seven members, with five appointed by the Governor
for staggered terms of four years. The remaining two
were statutory members, who served by virtue of their
appointments as Directors of the Alabama Departments
of Public Safety and Transportation.

In 1945, the Aeronautics Commission was enlarged
and changed to the Alabama Department of Aeronautics.
Under this reorganization, the Aeronautics Department
was defined as consisting of the Department, the Director
of Aeronautics, who is the Executive Officer, and the
staff. The Department was given general supervision
over all phases of aeronautics within the State of Alabama.
Funding for the Department's operations was secured
when the Legislature adopted the Aviation Gasoline Tax
Allocation Act (Act 367). Act 367 dedicated all aviation
gas taxes to aviation related purposes; therefore the
operations of the Department are not a burden on the
general taxpayers of the state.

In May 2000, the Alabama Department of Aeronautics
merged with the Alabama Department of Transportation.
The Aeronautics Commission remained intact and now serves
in an advisory capacity to the Transportation Director.

Mission

To serve the local airport operators and general
public by assuring that aviation fuel taxes are spent
on projects and research that will preserve and enhance
Alabama's air transportation system. Ensuring the long-term
safety and efficiency of Alabama's airports is essential
to the state's transportation system.